- Michael Chandler has been scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 309
- Conor McGregor reacted to Chandler’s booking
- “Iron” addressed the issue
Michael Chandler will face Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 309. The announcement prompted both Conor McGregor and Chandler to react.
Conor is out of the picture
UFC president Dana White previously said that McGregor will make his return but not this year. That became official when Dana White announced Chandler vs. Oliveira as the five-round co-main event for UFC 309 on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden. However, the UFC boss did say that the Irish MMA superstar may still fight “Iron” but Chandler would face “Do Bronx” first.
CORRECTION: I just got off the phone with Dana White, and there was a slight misunderstanding here. Michael Chandler may still fight Conor in his return next year, but he’s taking another fight first…. https://t.co/HanYNbDN7p pic.twitter.com/zh8CqD6QGu
— Robbie Fox (@RobbieBarstool) September 14, 2024
As expected, “Notorious” was not happy about the news. In a post on X, McGregor took a swipe at Chandler for taking the Oliveira fight.
“Chandler saw that takedown getting stuffed and mauled and officially dipped. Little Fat P*ssy. I’m at the hard rock hotel Florida for the bare knuckle tonight. Got tested earlier today by DFSI. Give me my f**king date!,” McGregor wrote.
McGregor’s rant did not go unnoticed. However, unlike before, Chandler appears to have dismissed “Notorious” this time.
“Carry on doing what you’re doing” – sorry you’re out of the loop @TheNotoriousMMA,” Chandler replied.
“Carry on doing what you’re doing” – sorry you’re out of the loop @TheNotoriousMMA https://t.co/tIzniBysA7
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) September 14, 2024
Chandler reminded people who he is
Many were shocked to learn about the massive change in Chandler’s opponent, considering how bad he wants to take on McGregor. Moreover, some believe the former Bellator champ doesn’t deserve to get a Top-5 opponent due to his lengthy inactivity.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Chandler addressed the issue and reminded everybody about his short but remarkable run with the UFC that makes him worthy of a possible title shot.
“I remember that day like it was yesterday when I sat in Hunter Campbell’s office and I said throw me into the shark-infested waters of the UFC. Either I am who I say I am or I’m not. At the time that I signed with the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov [was the] champion. Justin Gaethje, number one [contender], fought him, Dustin Poirier, number two, fought him. Charles Olivera, number three, fought him. Conor McGregor, had a fight booked, he pulled out. Number five, Tony Ferguson, fought him, number six, Dan Hooker, fought him. That is why I’m fighting Charles Oliveira. I would think you guys have forgotten over the last year or so who Michael Chandler is,” Chandler said.
“From October of 2020 to November of 2022, in a 25-month span, I did six training camps, one backup fight for the world title fight, five fights in 25 months, four fight of the night or performance of the night bonuses, two Fight of the Year candidates, one Fight of the Year against Justin Gaethje, one KO of the year against Tony Ferguson, one debut of the year against Dan hooker. Debut of the Year, Fight of the Year, Knockout of the Year in 25 months. That is why I’m taking the Charles Oliveira fight,” he added.
“I got more promo, more eyeballs, more of everything in the last year and a half than I would have gotten with three fights. And now I get the opportunity to take a title run [if] I beat Charles Oliveira, I become the number one contender, I beat Charles Oliveira, I can choose to go fight Islam or Arman [Tsarukyan]. I believe it’s going to be Islam or if Conor can finally get his house in order and put together a training camp and show up to a fight, maybe I go fight Conor and we finish The Ultimate Fighter 31,” he continued.
Chandler is coming off a submission lost to Dustin Poirier back at UFC 281. He also lost to Oliveira via TKO during their first showdown at UFC 262. Nevertheless, Chandler will now have the opportunity to redeem himself.
Watch Chandler’s full video below:
